Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOS) are expected to be introduced in South Yorkshire in November 2026 if the national rollout proceeds as expected.
They are currently being piloted in Greater Manchester, Croydon, Bromley, Sutton, Cleveland and North Wales with indications suggesting the orders are providing meaningful, additional protections.
These new orders, created under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, are intended to provide a stronger protection for victims while placing greater accountability on perpetrators.
They form part of the Government’s wider strategy to tackle domestic abuse and support its commitment to reducing violence against women and girls.
Caitlin Davis, Solicitor in the family law team at Wake Smith looks at the orders and what they could mean for victims and reducing further abuse.
DAPOs at first glance appear similar to a Non-Molestation Order. Both can restrict a perpetrator from threatening, harassing, intimidating or contacting a victim and from attending their home or other specified locations.
However, DAPOs go much further with the aim of reducing the risk of further abuse.
Conditions attached the Order can include:
- Participation in behaviour change programmes
- Attendance at alcohol or drug intervention programmes
- Compliance with electronic monitoring
- Curfew restrictions
- Regular reporting to a police station
Caitlin said: “Notably victims do not have to make an application themselves. Applications can be brought by the police, authorised third parties, or by another party with the court’s permission.”
“Wider eligibility is likely to prove more valuable where victims are vulnerable and frightened. They offer the potential for protection at an earlier stage.”
“This marks an important shift in approach to domestic abuse, as courts are given broader powers to actively manage risk and encourage behaviour change in family, civil and criminal proceedings.”
What happens if an order is breached?
There are significant enforcement provisions. A breach constitutes a criminal offence and can result in a sentence of up to five years imprisonment. Orders can take effect immediately from the date that they are made.
There is no prescribed minimum or maximum duration for a DAPO.
Pros of DAPOs:
- Broader protection
- Flexible conditions
- Can potentially offer longer term protection
- Does not solely rely on the victim making the application
Cons of DAPOs:
- Loss of control to the victim over the situation
- It might escalate the situation. The victim knows the perpetrator’s likely reaction better than the police do
- The victim might still want some contact, particularly if the parties have children together and need communication about school, handovers, medical issues
- The victim might want the relationship to remain workable even though they want the abusive behaviour to stop
- The victim might be concerned about giving evidence and being brought into further court proceedings
- Limited availability currently during the pilot
- The effectiveness of the orders requires accurate risk assessment
- They will require sufficient resources to be effective
- The Government is still evaluating the pilot
Early indications from the pilot areas suggest the orders are providing meaningful additional protections.
Head of the Protection of Vulnerable People Unit, North Wales Police Detective Superintendent Jackie Downes, said: “We have seen the positive impacts these new orders can have, with courts taking any breaches seriously, ensuring victims and families are better protected against perpetrators of domestic abuse.”
For further information on Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOS) and Non-Molestation Orders contact Wake Smith Solicitors’ family law team here, on 0114 266 6660 or email [email protected]
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